Welcome to this week's post, today is about the rich history of the Zulu People.
Before learning about the Zulu it is important to understand the larger group they descend from: The Nguni People.
The Nguni people are a group of Bantu people in Southern Africa who speak the Nguni languages. The Nguni encompass several groups such as the Xhosa (which you're supposed to say with a click), the Ndebele, the Swazi, and the most popular: The Zulu. The Nguni people are said to have migrated from the great lakes region from the north and various groups split from there, creating the groups we know today.
So who are the Zulu and how did they come to be?
In the Zulu language the word Amazulu means Zulu people, and according to Zulu oral tradition this name refers to the belief that the Zulu came down from heaven as the word Zulu itself means Heaven.
The Amazulu name for the supreme being and creator is Unkulunkulu; He has other name such as UMvelinqangi, which basically means 'He who came first' or 'Ancient one'. UMvelinqangi lowered his two children down from heaven attached to an umbilial cord; On earth, they cut themselves free with a sharp reed. This is how the Amazulu came to be named after heaven, this is also why some members of the Amazulu royal family are referred to as Amantwana or 'children' because they are all descended from UMvelinqangi's children.
Another popular creation story states that human beings emerge from deep in the earth through a moist bed of reeds. Reeds are a common theme in Souther African creation myths.
The Amazulu mythology concerning their origin is unique because they are the only Africans I know of that state they originated in heaven. The Amazulu played a major role in the history of Southern Africa for the last 200 years. The Amazulu developed a distinct language well before they forged a collective identity or centralized political structure, they rose to power under their leader Shaka in the 19th, but not long after Shaka became their leader in 1815, the Zulu began a campaign of conquests and expansion. A brilliant military leader, Shaka soon built an army of more than 40,000 rigorously trained soldiers.
Shaka also introduced several important military innovations such as: the short stabbing spear which gave Zulu troops a distinct advantage over their adversaries. In a period of only 10 years, Shaka had built a kingdom 'Zulu land' that encompassed most of the area known as The NATO province. Shaka claimed absolute authority over his kingdom, his hierarchical leadership style was retained by subsequent Zulu rulers and later adopted by Inkatha a 20th century Zulu political organization.
In conquered territories, Shaka appointed his own officials and any subject who refused Shaka's rule could be killed immediately. In addition, conquered peoples were expected to serve in a Zulu's army, herd the kings cattle, and hunt elephants for ivory.
Despite these tactics, Shaka faced internal opposition, and in 1828 he was assassinated by his half brother Dingane.
The Zulu are among the most skilled crafts-people in Southern Africa, specifically in beadwork and basket-weaving. Zulu potter includes containers of many different shapes, still made today, these pots are made by hand from wet clay, decorated with engraved designs, and baked in homemade ovens.
The history & culture of the Zulu people is an impressive tale of resilience, cultural richness, and the spirit of a nation. From their early origins to their lasting impact on South Africa, the Zulu people continue to thrive as a testament to the power of their heritage and the enduring legacy of their ancestors.
Sources:
Bryant: Olden Times in Zululand and Natal. Ritter: Shaka Zulu
Whitelaw, Gavin (2009). "Four Iron Age women from KwaZulu-Natal: biological anthropology, genetics and archaeological context". Southern African Humanities.
Shillington, Kevin (2005). History of Africa (3rd ed.). New York: St. Martin's Press.
